Saturday, February 28, 2009

Too Big...For Their Britches

01 March 2009

So now the big cry from the conservative side is against nationalization. Well folks, hate to tell you, but it is already here. The only difference is that the Federal Government is letting the new owners of these banks, brokerages and dens of thievery (you and me) continue to be poked in the eye by the little rich kids who haven’t been told that their not rich anymore and who think their crap don’t stink and allowing them to continue to do whatever they want to. Who are WE to question THEM? Well, I guess we’re only the ones who put up how many billions to bail their butts out of bankruptcy, that’s all!

“I’m too big to fail and you can’t do anything about me taking my bonus', my vacations with the company jets, throwing lavish parties (but I already bought my new gown a month before the bailout, so it must be okay to still throw the party!!) and I’ll make a bigger pain in the ass of myself if you don’t play the financial game just like I want to have it played.” Not to mention continuing the same management style (and attitudes) that brought on the problems being dealt with right now.

Well, wait a minute…wasn’t it by the generosity of American tax dollars that you were saved from the brink of bankruptcy.

“Yes, but you still haven’t gotten the clue-bomb that I’m too big to fail. So you can’t touch me or I’ll tell Mom on you.”

If I remember right, someone being on the brink of bankruptcy hasn’t stopped you guys from hounding about 2% of the population with mortgages that are currently unable to make their mortgage. It certainly hasn’t stopped the calls to their homes when these same taxpayers have missed credit card payments. Why is this any different?

“Aren’t you listening!!!! I told you already, we’re too big to fail. We’re too big to touch. So there!” (this is the part where they stick out their tongue at the news cameras and give us raspberries.)

But I certainly don’t recall in 1990 the government offering to bail out my Dad when he lost his corporation and house to bankruptcy….Oh, that’s right. He ISN’T big enough for the government to allow not to fail. Different rules, different game….or is it?

The new game needs to be that if you don’t want nationalization while you’re still at the reigns of your company…don’t take government “bailout” cash. None. Zero, Zilch... Nada! You say you’ll go bankrupt? Good, declare bankruptcy already and stop draining the taxpayer pockets with your piss-poor mismanagement and all the other frivolities that WE keep having to pay for.

Believe it or not, you are not too big to fail. So stop taking the funds or just calmly move over and let Uncle Sam step in and guarantee the funds they have spoken for. Then Uncle Sam can finally evaluate and acquire all your assets for the Resolution Trust Fund 2 to reorganize and sell at the appropriate time.

No golden parachutes, no fun parties with cool bands, no corporate jets flying to Washington to plead your case, no whining, no crying, no more of your gross mismanagement of funds and policy, no more fleecing of the taxpayer, no more “too big to fail.” Amen

August 2010

I guess it is almost like getting marching orders. Now all we wait for are the details. After having contracted here since January of 2004, it is a bit surreal to have a date attached to the words, “end of contract.”

As I said, we have no specifics. We could be relocated to work this job from another location for all I know. Now we just wait to find out what the firm date means to us. Am I done with contracting? I hope not. I kind of like the flexibility and the opportunities this has allowed me. Once you get to traveling the world, it kind of gets in your blood. I can’t even guess if forced to settle down in a 8-5, how I’d fair!

We had a saying in Antarctica…The first time you go down for the adventure. The second contract, you go down for the cash. The third and subsequent contracts you go down because you don’t fit in anywhere else! I hope it’s not true…although I’ve been told that I’m a freak before. :p

I’ve mentioned before that it has become much quieter here in the last year or so. I think there is still resistance, especially to the patrols that are still out humping in the streets and cities. But as far as the base goes, things are quieter here in Iraq. Looks like all the evil talent with any skill has gone east to Afghanistan to keep their terrorism skills sharpened. Doesn’t mean there aren’t bad guys here, just fewer of them.

The recent elections seemed to indicate that as well. No violence during the elections and better overall participation from the population.